Agency: It's illegal to pick up moose calves

ANCHORAGE - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is reminding Alaskans that it is illegal to pick up moose calves.

The reminder comes with the peak of calving season rapidly approaching.

Fish and Game biologists say it may at first glance appear that a calf is abandoned, but that is rarely the case - even if the calf has been alone for up to a day.

Most of the time, the cow is simply off feeding and will return.

The department is encouraging residents who are concerned about a calf to call Fish and Game to evaluate the situation. Biologists say picking up moose calves unnecessarily jeopardizes their survival in the long run.